In 2015, Misty Copeland became the first African American woman to be promoted to principal dancer in American Ballet Theatre’s 75-year history. She has been an advocate for diversity and, in 2014, President Obama appointed her to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition. She was named one of TIME’s 100 most influential people, and later interviewed by President Obama for TIME and Essence magazines to discuss race, gender, achievement and creating opportunity for young people.
